Play device intended for juggling

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a play device intended for juggling, comprising upper branches, and lower branches, an upper linking part, and a lower linking part, the upper and lower linking parts being aligned along a main axis, and a peripheral armature, of annular shape arranged between the upper linking part and the lower linking part along the main axis, said upper branches and lower branches forming an external envelope delimiting an interior space of the play device and being configured to deform in such a way that the device passes from an initial shape to a bowed shape when a user bounces the play device on his body, and from the bowed shape to the initial shape after the bounce.

The invention relates to a play device intended for juggling.

It is known from the prior art to provide play devices, in particular for physical exercising or training. An example of such a device is described in patent FR 2 649 900 B1. The example described in this patent relates to a device that is of artisanal manufacture, difficult to reproduce by an uninformed user who wishes to reproduce said device. On the other hand, the shape given to the object being random, physical training or exercising is not comparable when it is performed with two devices manufactured by different users.

One of the aims of the invention consists of proposing a standard play device intended for juggling practice, of which the industrial manufacture is easy.

Thus, the invention relates to a play device intended for juggling, comprising first branches, called upper branches, and second branches, called lower branches, a first linking part, called upper linking part, and a second linking part, called lower linking part, the upper and lower linking parts being aligned along an axis, called main axis, and an armature called peripheral armature, with an annular shape or a substantially annular shape, arranged between the upper linking part and the lower linking part along the main axis, the peripheral armature extending about the main axis and orthogonally or substantially orthogonally thereto, the upper branches extending from the upper linking part to the peripheral armature, the lower branches extending from the lower linking part to the peripheral armature, said upper and lower branches forming an external envelope delimiting an interior space of the play device and being configured to deform in such a way that the device passes from an initial shape to a bowed shape when a user bounces the play device against their body, and from the bowed shape to the initial shape after the bounce.

According to different embodiments of the invention, that can be taken together or separately:

the armature is formed by a lower edge and an upper edge parallel to one another, the device comprising a first part, called upper part, and a second part, called lower part, the lower part comprising the lower linking part, the lower branches and the lower edge, the upper part comprising the upper linking part, the upper branches and the upper edge, the upper part and the lower part being configured to be assembled together, by securing together the lower edge and the upper edge,

the external envelope has a substantially spherical or ovoid general shape,

the envelope has a flattened sphere shape,

the branches extend radially, between one of said linking parts and the peripheral armature, said branches being spaced by a constant angle about the main axis of the device,

the main axis is an axis of symmetry of the play device.

the device according to the invention further comprises a housing configured to receive an electronic beacon, said housing being positioned in the interior space of the device,

the housing is held in position inside the interior space of the device by a plurality of arms,

the housing is of a flat shape and extends substantially according to a plane perpendicular to the main axis and passing by the armature,

the arms are configured to be maintained by the peripheral armature,

the device is configured to bow such that the linking parts are brought closer together, without touching and without coming into contact with the housing positioned inside said device,

each of the linking parts is intended to receive an information display,

the device according to the invention comprises a plurality of linking points at the level of the peripheral armature, said linking points comprising glue points, welding points, in particular by ultrasound, and/or connecting rivets.

The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages of it will appear clearer upon reading the following detailed explanatory description of at least one embodiment of the invention, given by way of an illustrative example and not limited thereto, in reference to the appended schematic drawing:

FIG. 1a is a bottom view of an embodiment example of a play device according to the invention,

FIG. 1b is a front view of the same example as that illustrated in FIG. 1 a,

FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view according to the reference C-C of FIG. 1 b,

FIG. 1d is a cross-sectional view according to the reference D-D of FIG. 1 b,

FIG. 1e is a front view of a housing example for an electronic beacon according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is an isometric and front view representation of an embodiment example of the device according to the invention,

FIG. 3 is also an isometric representation of the same example as that shown in FIG. 2, but the view is slightly inclined.

The invention relates to a play device 10 intended for juggling, comprising first branches, called upper branches 21, and second branches, called lower branches 22, a first linking part, called upper linking part 31, and a second linking part, called lower linking part 32, the upper 31 and lower 32 linking parts being aligned along an axis, called main axis X. The main axis X is referenced in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 e.

The term “branches” is used to describe discrete zones that define spaces between them. The branches 21, 22, taken together, define an overall envelope, with an interior space and an exterior space, but these spaces are not delimited by a solid wall.

The device of the invention also comprises an armature, called peripheral armature 40, with an annular or substantially annular shape. The peripheral armature 40 extends about the main axis X orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to it. The peripheral armature 40 is arranged between the upper linking part 31 and the lower linking part 32 along the main axis X.

We mean by “armature” a peripheral edge bearing against the branches 21, 22.

The upper branches 21 extend from the upper linking part 31 to the peripheral armature 40; the lower branches 22 extend from the lower linking part 32 to the peripheral armature 40.

Advantageously, the branches 21, 22 extend radially with respect to the main axis X, between one of said linking parts 31, 32 and the peripheral armature 40. In particular, said branches 21, 22 are spaced by a constant angle about the main axis X of the device 10. Thus, in the example shown here, the device of the invention comprises 24 branches 21, 22 (see FIG. 1b ) spaced from one another by a constant angle of approximately 15 degrees. The number of branches 21, 22 is not limiting; it can be comprised in the [6; 36] range without moving away from the scope of the invention. The constant spacing between the branches 21, 22 will thus be comprised in the [10; 60] range in terms of angular degrees.

As mentioned above, said upper 21 and lower 22 branches shape an external envelope delimiting an interior space of the play device and are configured such that the device 10 passes from an initial shape to a bowed shape when a user bounces the device on their body, and from the bowed shape to the initial shape after the bounce.

In other words, the branches 21, 22 undergo elastic deformation when a user bounces the play device on their body, before resuming their initial form. In other words, said branches 21, 22 are made so as to make it possible for the device to bow during a contact with the body of the user before it can resume the initial shape thereof, in particular just after contact with the body of a user. Also, in other words, the branches 21, 22 are provided to be elastic so as to deform without breaking during a contact with the body of a user; the branches 21, 22 being configured to be sufficiently elastic to make it possible for all of the device to bounce after contact.

Therefore, the play device of the invention is intended for juggling, in particular for fun or for educational purposes.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 a, the armature 40 is formed from a lower edge 42 and an upper edge 41, parallel to one another.

It is indeed possible to define, for the device, a first part, called upper part 11, and a second part, called lower part 12. Said two parts 11, 12 are separate parts before being assembled to form the device 10 of the invention.

The lower part 12 comprises the lower linking part 32, the lower branches 22 and the lower edge 42, while the upper part 11 comprises the upper linking part 31, the upper branches 21, and the upper edge 41.

The upper 11 and lower 12 parts are advantageously designed to be assembled together by securing the lower edge 42 to the upper edge 41. In other words, the device according to the invention comprises a plurality of linking points 50 at the level of the peripheral armature 40, said linking points 50 being glue points, welding points, in particular by ultrasound, and/or connecting rivets 51 (see FIG. 1d ). Also, in other words, the linking points 50 make it possible for the assembly of the upper 11 and lower 12 parts through discrete contact zones between the upper 41 and lower 42 edges.

Thus, in reference to FIGS. 1 a and/or 3, once assembled and retained in position against one another, in particular using a force-fitted connection that provides no degree of freedom, the upper 11 and lower 12 parts of the play device 10 form a homogeneous unit. More specifically, the upper 21 and lower 22 branches are positioned to be continuous, on either side of the armature 40, so as to appear to form one single branch extending, from one end to the other, from the upper linking part 31 to the lower linking part 32. In other words, each branch 21 is arranged facing a branch 22. Also, in other words, the upper 11 and lower 12 parts are secured such that the upper 21 and lower 22 branches meet along a joint plane that is substantially orthogonal to the main axis X, said joint plane being identifiable, in particular by touch, while being difficult to detect with the naked eye. Also, in other words, the device 10 of the invention can appear to be moulded in one single part, on either side of this joint place, while it is formed by two separate parts 11, 12 that have been secured together by linking points 50.

The example illustrated here represents the upper 11 and lower 12 parts secured together using rivets 51 regularly distributed about the main axis X (see in particular FIG. 3).

On the other hand, as is particularly visible in FIG. 3, the external envelope of the device has a substantially spherical or ovoid general shape. More specifically, the envelope has a shape of a flattened sphere (also visible in FIG. 1a ), said spherical shape being flattened along the main axis X.

It must furthermore be noted, that the main axis X is, here, an axis of symmetry of the play device 10.

The device 10 according to the invention further comprises a housing 60 configured to receive an electronic beacon, said housing 60 being positioned in the interior space of the device. We means by “electronic beacon”, an electronic unit configured to communicate with an external device of the play device 10, in particular by electron waves or by radio waves. The electronic unit is an embedded unit that can comprise an emitter, a battery, a data storage unit or any other electronic means intended to communicate wirelessly between the play device and the exterior.

Thus, the play device 10 is a connected object.

It must be noted, that the housing 60 is retained in position in the interior space of the device by a plurality of arms 61, 62, 63, 64 (see FIGS. 1d and 1e ). Thus, the housing 60 is secured to the play device 10; it follows the movement thereof. In other words, the electronic beacon that is housed therein has no degree of freedom with respect to the play device 10 and can record, reliably, data relating to the movement thereof.

In the example illustrated here, the housing 60 is of a flat shape and extends substantially along a plane perpendicular to the main axis X that passes through the armature 40 (see FIGS. 1c and 1d ). The volume of the housing 60 is limited, in particular on either side of a plane, this defined by the armature 40, which is also substantially flat, in particular in the example shown here.

It must also be noted, that the peripheral armature 40 is configured to retain the arms 61, 62, 63, 64. More specifically, the arms 61, 62, 63, 64 are configured to be retained between the peripheral edges 41, 42 of the two parts 11, 12 of the device of the invention 10. Thus, as is particularly visible in FIGS. 1d and 1 e, said arms 61, 62, 63, 64 each have an end 61′, 62′, 63′, 64′ intended to be housed between the peripheral edges 41, 42 and to be retained in position there by a rivet 51 passing through the peripheral edges 41, 42 and the end 61′, 62′, 63′, 64′ of said arm 61, 62, 63, 64. In other words, in the example illustrated here, the said ends 61′, 62′, 63′, 64′ are provided with a through-orifice which makes it possible for the riveting of each of the arms 61, 62, 63, 64 at the level of the peripheral edges 41, 42, while forming a unit with the upper 11 and lower 12 parts.

Here, there are 4 arms 61, 62, 63, 64, although this figure is in no way limiting. The number of arms can be comprised in the [2; 8] range without moving away from the scope of the invention.

On the other hand, the arms 61, 62, 63, 64 here are distributed regularly about the main axis X to ensure an optimal resistance to wear. This regular distribution is not limiting.

As mentioned above, the rivets 51 are an embodiment example and in no way limiting. It can also be considered, in additional embodiment examples not illustrated here, that the lower 11 and upper 12 parts and the arms 61, 62, 63, 64 are glued together at the level of the armature 40 of the device of the invention 10, or snap-fitted together.

On the other hand, the device 10 is configured to bow such that the linking parts 31, 32 are brought closer together, without touching and without coming into contact with the housing 60 positioned inside said device 10, in particular during contact with the body of a user. This makes it possible to give the bounce thereof to the device of the invention 10, in particular as the elastic deformation thereof is not limited by a housing 60 which would be oversized. An oversized housing could prevent the linking parts 31, 32 facing one another along the main axis X from coming closer together. The convergence of the linking parts 31, 32 makes it possible for the device 10 to store kinetic energy, which it releases then using a bounce; this bounce is made possible by the elasticity of the branches 21, 22 that re-deploy following an impact/resume the initial position thereof.

In other words, the flattening of the structure formed by the device 10 is ensured by the void existing between the lower 12 and upper 11 parts, and in particular by the fact that the housing 60 is provided flat, so as not to fill the interior space of the play device 10, in a counterproductive manner.

It must be noted, that the upper linking part 31—respectively the lower linking part 32—will advantageously be made from the material of the upper branches 21—respectively the lower branches 22—and the upper peripheral edge 41—respectively the lower peripheral edge 42. We mean by “made from the material of”, an integral moulding, or an overmoulding of these elements together. The selected material will be, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer, or polyethylene.

It must also be noted, that each of the linking parts 31, 32 is intended to receive an information display referenced “I” in FIG. 2, of the logo type or of a type enabling the identification of the origin of the product.

It must also be noted, that the lower 22 and upper 21 branches join at the level of the armature 40, by protruding slightly from the lower 42 and upper 41 edges in a radial direction from the armature 40, moving away from the main axis X. The advantage of this configuration is that it creates catching surfaces to optimise the juggling initiated by a user; said catching surfaces are provided around the periphery of the device 10 of the invention, in particular at the level of the joint plane substantially orthogonal to the main axis X. This joint plane is referenced P in FIG. 1 b; it is the plane of the sheet of paper in FIG. 1 b. The plane P is also illustrated in the FIGS. 1c and 3.

It must also be noted, that the lower 12 and upper 11 parts are substantially identical, or fully identical, for the purpose of facilitating the method of manufacturing a device according to the invention. In other words, the lower 12 and upper 11 parts are moulded, without indexing, so as to form a play device 10, without having to distinguish the two parts 11, 12 during the assembly thereof, in particular with the housing 60.

For information purposes, the following guide values for the dimensions of the device of the invention 10 must be noted:

height h10 of the device 10 of around 70 mm (see FIG. 1a );

diameter d10 of the device 10 of around 130 mm (see FIG. 1b );

diameter d60 of the housing 60 of around 55 mm (see FIG. 1e );

base of the arms D60 on either side of the housing 60 of around 120 mm (also see FIG. 1e ),

diameter h60 of the housing 60, measured along the main axis X, of around 12 mm (see FIG. 1c ). 

1. Play device intended for juggling, comprising first branches, called upper branches, and second branches, called lower branches, a first linking part, called upper linking part, and a second linking part, called lower linking part, the upper and lower linking parts being aligned along an axis, called main axis, and an armature called peripheral armature, with an annular shape or a substantially annular shape, arranged between the upper linking part and the lower linking part along the main axis, the peripheral armature extending about the main axis and orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to it, the upper branches extending from the upper linking part to the peripheral armature, the lower branches extending from the lower linking part to the peripheral armature, said upper branches and lower branches forming an external envelope delimiting an interior space of the play device and being configured to deform in such a way that the device passes from an initial shape to a bowed shape when a user bounces the play device on their body, and from the bowed shape to the initial shape after the bounce.
 2. Play device according to claim 1, wherein the armature is formed by a lower edge and an upper edge parallel to one another, the device comprising a first part, called upper part, and a second part, called lower part, the lower part comprising the lower linking part, the lower branches and the lower edge, the upper part comprising the upper linking part, the upper branches and the upper edge, the upper part and the lower part being configured to be assembled together, by securing together the lower edge and the upper edge.
 3. Play device according to claim 1, wherein the external envelope has a substantially spherical or ovoid general shape.
 4. Play device according to claim 1, wherein the envelope has a substantially flattened sphere shape.
 5. Play device according to claim 4, wherein the branches extend radially, between one of said linking parts and the peripheral armature, said branches being spaced by a constant angle about the main axis of the device.
 6. Play device according to claim 1, wherein the main axis is an axis of symmetry of the play device.
 7. Play device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing configured to receive an electronic beacon, said housing being positioned in the interior space of the device.
 8. Play device according to claim 7, wherein the housing is retained in position in the interior space of the device by a plurality of arms.
 9. Play device according to claim 8, wherein the housing has a flat shape and extends substantially along a plane perpendicular to the main axis and passing by the armature.
 10. Play device according to claim 8, wherein the arms are configured to be retained by the peripheral armature.
 11. Play device according to claim 8, wherein the device is configured to bow so that the linking parts are brought closer together, without touching and without coming into contact with the housing positioned inside said device.
 12. Play device according to claim 1, wherein each of the linking parts is intended to receive an information display.
 13. Play device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of linking points at the level of the peripheral armature, said linking points comprising glue points, welding points, in particular by ultrasound, and/or connecting rivets. 